Osteoporosis and periodontal disease: an update

ABSTRACT

The aim of the review is to evaluate the current status of relationship between osteoporosis and periodontal diseases. Now due to aging population in industrialized nations, osteoporosis is a common observation. Osteoporosis is the most common disease of middle-age and elderly people. Its main consequence is the increased risk of bone fractures and tooth loss. It is the thinning of bone tissue and loss of bone density over time. Osteoporosis is amongst the commonest chronic diseases in which bone becomes porous and more susceptible to fracture. It is estimated that on in three postmenopausal women and one in five men over the age of 50 years are affected. There are no symptoms in the early stages of the disease. Symptoms occurring late in the disease include bone pain or fracture. Osteoporosis may contribute to periodontal disease and ultimately tooth loss. Both of these diseases have been a public health concern because of the impact caused by bone fracture and tooth loss. Bone loss is a common feature of periodontitis and osteoporosis. The etiology of tooth loss is multifactorial, but one particular focus of interest has been whether osteoporosis is a contributory factor. Various researchers have addressed this question in studies of varying qualities. The weight of the evidence suggests that there is a significant relationship between the number of teeth present and skeletal bone mineral density. In this article the plausible link has been reviewed between periodontal disease and osteoporosis. It is hoped that the review would help dental professionals to deliver better treatment and comprehensive oral care to their patients. Thus, the elderly could live a healthier and more meaningful quality of life with the prevention of these diseases